"By the way, it looks like the next match is between Kyoka and the leader from Class B!"
Momo used the break while Cementoss began repairing the stage again to lean over and whisper to Kaminari.
"If Kyoka advances, doesn't that mean she might have to face the winner of the first two rounds again in the semifinals?" Momo's tone was casual, but her expression was thoughtful.
Kaminari blinked, slightly surprised by the realization. His gaze drifted to the arena entrance where Kyoka had just gone down to prepare. He hadn't considered this possibility before.
"Hmm… If I end up beating Todoroki, there's definitely a chance I'd have to face Kyoka," he replied, a bit lost in thought.
"Hehehe," Momo leaned in, a mischievous smile on her face. "If that really happens, what would you do?"
Kaminari thought about it for a moment before replying with a grin, "I won't back down just because of that. I still have to try my best to win. I made a promise to go for first place, after all. It'd be embarrassing to fall short now."
Ashido, always ready to stir things up, leaned over with a mischievous look. "So… if it came down to it, would you be okay with 'domestic violence' on the field?"
Kaminari's face turned deadpan as he stared at her. Domestic violence? Really? He decided to ignore the term Ashido used and responded calmly, "I'll do everything I can to win, but I'll make sure not to hurt her."
"Kaminari," Tokoyami spoke up unexpectedly, his tone serious, "Don't underestimate Todoroki. He's not an opponent to take lightly."
Kaminari's gaze shifted to Todoroki, who stood leaning against the wall, watching the arena below. "Of course. I'll give it everything I've got against him."
As if sensing Kaminari's eyes on him, Todoroki glanced over. Their gazes met, a silent exchange sparking between them. Todoroki's icy blue eyes held a cool determination, while Kaminari's golden eyes shone with confidence.
The tension between them was palpable, even making the usually loud Ashido and Mineta quiet down for a moment.
But before the atmosphere could grow any more intense, Present Mic's enthusiastic voice blasted through the stadium, breaking the silence and filling the area with excitement.
The two broke eye contact, both shifting their attention to the field as the final match of the second round began.
"Thank you, Cementoss!"
"Now, let's get ready for the last match of the second round! From Class A, we have Kyoka Jiro, facing off against Class B's Kendo Itsuka!"
Present Mic's voice boomed through the stadium, setting the crowd on edge.
"And the winner will secure the last spot in the semifinals!"
As Mic hyped up the crowd, the four special-effect flamethrowers around the arena erupted, casting a blaze over the field.
"Begin!"
At the sound of the signal, Kyoka immediately went on the offensive, plugging her earlobe jacks into the ground in front of her. The floor shook with her signature move, cracks spreading toward Kendo with a rumbling sound.
While the spectators marveled at the scene, Cementoss sighed quietly to himself. What's with this year's class? So many Quirks focused on destruction… Hopefully, I have enough cement prepared for all this repair work.
Kendo, however, was prepared. The leader of Class B wasn't about to let herself be caught off guard. Just as the ground beneath her began to crack, she sprang into the air, using her Quirk to enlarge her hands.
"Boom!"
With her giant hands, Kendo swiped at the air, creating a powerful gust of wind that propelled her forward. The force of the wind sent her hurtling toward Kyoka like a missile.
"She can use her hands to fly?!" several spectators gasped in surprise.
Even some of the pro heroes in the audience looked impressed, noting Kendo's quick thinking and adaptability.
Kyoka narrowed her eyes, but she didn't panic. She extended her earlobes, aiming to intercept Kendo in midair.
But Kendo anticipated the move, and with a grin, she swung her enlarged hands again, generating another gust of wind that disrupted Kyoka's attack.
"Sorry, Kyoka! I saw that trick coming!" Kendo shouted confidently, her giant hand swooping in towards Kyoka.
Kyoka tried to dodge, but the gusts kept her off-balance, blowing her cables away before they could reach Kendo.
In that moment, as Kendo's massive fist closed in, Kyoka had a flicker of regret. She glanced up at the stands, almost as if searching for Kaminari among the crowd.
Sorry, Kaminari… looks like I couldn't make it to the semifinals like I planned…
In her mind, she'd hoped to advance to the next round, so that if she ended up facing Kaminari, she could throw the match and let him conserve his energy for the final.
But it seemed none of that would come to pass.
The fight ended quickly. Despite Kyoka's initial advantage, Kendo's improvisation and tactical thinking turned the tables. In a matter of moments, she had overpowered Kyoka, winning the match and securing her place in the semifinals.
The entire crowd, including Kaminari, Momo, Present Mic, and Aizawa, watched in surprise. On paper, Kyoka's Quirk seemed like it would be a perfect counter for Kendo's close-range style. But Kendo's clever use of wind to disrupt Kyoka's attacks had been unexpectedly effective.
"Looks like Class B isn't as weak as we thought…" Shoji muttered, watching as Kendo waved to the crowd with a bright smile.
Kaminari, who had been watching closely, nodded. "They're just as capable as we are. After all, they're Hero students too."
With that, he stood up, ready to make his way to the exit. He planned to check on Kyoka and offer her some encouragement… and then, it would be time for his own match.
Glancing over to where Todoroki had been leaning against the wall, he noticed the spot was now empty. He turned his gaze slightly to the side, spotting Endeavor standing tall, flames flickering around his body as he watched the arena with intense focus.
Kaminari's eyes narrowed slightly. He'd soon show Endeavor just how serious he was.
"I'll show you, Endeavor… my full power," he murmured to himself, clenching his fists.
But as Kaminari walked down the stands, Monoma Neito's voice rang out, filled with smug satisfaction.
"What's wrong, Class A? Weren't you supposed to be the better class? Losing to our class leader like that, even after 'fighting villains'? How embarrassing!"
Monoma had once again popped up over the wall, taunting them with his usual sneer. And this time, without Kendo to stop him, he was free to gloat as much as he wanted.
"Get lost!"
Bakugo, who was already simmering with anger from his own loss, stood up and glared at Monoma with a murderous expression, his voice a low growl.
"Unless you want me to blow you up right here, shut your mouth."
Monoma's eyes widened, and he quickly ducked down, silenced by Bakugo's intense glare. His entire body seemed to shiver under the weight of Bakugo's fury.
What a terrifying guy… Monoma thought, swallowing hard as he stayed out of sight.
***
For every 500 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 45+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.